Why will Menthol cigarettes be banned soon?

If you are a menthol cigarettes smoker then this news is for you. Mint cigarettes came in May last year but the ECHO report that by May 2020 they could be completely banned. The ban will include both cigarettes and roll your won tobacco.

Due to new tobacco laws, this period will start from May this year (2017) and will be completed by May 2020.

According to the charity ASH- Action on Smoking and Health, this action will deter younger people from smoking.

So what will happen next?

10 pack cigarettes will be banned from May 2017. Amanda Sandford from ASH Charity explain the reason of the ban as follows:

. “Cigarettes are already expensive.

“And the price increase of cigarettes is a key factor in making people quit smoking.

“So by removing the packet of 10 cigarettes this means people will have to find that extra money for a packet.

“It will hit poorer smokers harder, who are usually younger smokers.

“Paying £3 or £4 for a packet of 10 cigarettes at the moment might not seem so much to people and still leave them with change in their pockets.

“But when you have to spend £6/£7 even £9 people may think ‘do I really need this packet?’ "

Is it true that menthol cigarettes really less harmful for you?

The answer is NO.

Amanda states that evidence suggest that menthol cigarettes make it easier for people to smoke. She continues as follow:

“It is naturally hard to inhale smoke and for many the first time they smoke it is repugnant, but people persevere and that it when they become addicted.

“There is evidence that menthol cigarettes relax the airways and the flavour masks the harshness of the smoke, therefore younger people find it easier to smoke.

“However it is an absolute myth that menthol cigarettes are better for you.

“All cigarettes are harmful and menthol cigarettes are just as dangerous as normal cigarettes.”